Prosecutors at the International Criminal Court (ICC) said they are preparing to present up to 70 witnesses in the crimes against humanity case against former President Rodrigo Duterte.

During the first status conference in The Hague, ICC Senior Trial Lawyer Julian Nicholls confirmed that the prosecution plans to call between 60 and 70 witnesses, including around 31 insider witnesses expected to provide direct accounts and internal information related to Duterte’s anti-drug campaign.

“These include insider witnesses, crime-base witnesses, and witnesses relevant to explain the background and contextual elements of the crimes charged,” the prosecution said in earlier court filings.

According to the prosecution team, about 25 to 30 witnesses may deliver viva voce, or verbal testimony, during the trial, while the remaining testimonies may be presented through previously recorded audio, video, or documented evidence under ICC Rule 68.

ICC Deputy Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang said the prosecution intends to bring “as many of its witnesses as possible to testify in person at the seat of the Court,” although some may testify through video link if they are unable to travel to The Hague.

During the proceedings, Presiding Judge Joanna Korner instructed prosecutors to organize witnesses connected to the same incidents consecutively to avoid delays and logistical complications experienced in previous ICC cases.

Nicholls responded that the prosecution would try to follow the chamber’s guidance, explaining that Duterte’s case involves “many small incidents with fewer witnesses each,” unlike previous ICC trials focused on a smaller number of large-scale incidents.

The prosecution estimated that direct examination of witnesses could take around 175 to 200 hours as the ICC continues preparations for Duterte’s upcoming trial.